Song: "Already There"

I have another song by "Casting Crowns" for you today called "Already There."  I loved the lyrics the first time I heard them and could relate to so much of what is said in this song from our move last year.  I like the line of imagining looking back on life someday and seeing how all the pieces fit together. 

We have some "unknowns" right now.  It is comforting to know God already knows the answers.   

Have a day of blessings!

Song: "Courageous"

Today the movie "Courageous" releases on DVD.  We went to Lifeway and purchased a "pre buy" ticket and will pick up our copy this week sometime.  My husband and I saw it at the theater before Thanksgiving.  What a great movie!  Have you seen it?  If not you really should rent it or buy it.  It has a great message with so many lessons in it.  We are in a war here and need to be courageous. 

I hope you enjoy this Casting Crowns song called "Courageous."  When we saw them in concert in December, this was the first song they sang. 

Have a day of blessings!

Song: "The Well"

I used to share more songs on my blog and I was thinking I wanted to do that again this year.  I hope the songs I share will bless your day as you listen to the lyrics. 

For today's song I'd like to share one from Casting Crowns' new album.  It is called "The Well." 


I think this is a great song to use at the start of the new year.  If you are weary and ready for a fresh start, go to the well and be refreshed and satisfied.  I thought of this song Sunday morning in church when the preacher was talking about what we needed to leave behind in 2011 as we begin 2012. 

What do you need to leave behind? 

Have a day of blessings!

Who will I listen to?

Last Thursday afternoon my husband called and told me he'd just received an email from our Realtor. He told us that the Texas Attorney General had put a moratorium (I never even knew this word before last Thursday!) on the sale of foreclosures. Since the home we want to buy is a foreclosure property, our closing (that was scheduled for Monday) was now on hold.


This came as quite a surprise to us to say the least, and admittedly it was disappointing that we wouldn't be closing on Monday.


I had found someone giving away moving boxes on Freecycle so Thursday afternoon we were going to pick them up (and they were boxes in great shape too, tons of them, such a blessing to get at this time). As I was driving I caught Casting Crown's song "Voice of Truth" on KLOVE. This line really stuck out to me that day....

The voice of truth says, 'Do not be afraid!'
The voice of truth says,
'This is for My glory'
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

I know I have a choice of how to respond to this situation. I can easily be upset that it didn't go as we had planned, and now we are uncertain when we will get to close. Reading the news articles about this foreclosure mess can leave me with unsettled feelings of "what's going to happen to us and our house." I could be scared and afraid of the unknown. But my choice is to listen to Truth. We don't know what is going to happen. We don't know how long we are going to have to wait. But we trust God and His timing. We can't see how this is going to come together, but we know He can. We trust that there is a reason for this delay.

I am glad for the reminder from this song that we need to listen to the Voice of Truth. I have prayed through this entire situation that whatever happened it would be obvious that God did it and it was nothing we could have done. We continue to give Him the glory.


Have a day of blessings!

Song: "The Voice of Truth"

I wanted to share a song today that I have shared previously. It is probably familiar to you as well if you listen to Christian radio.


It is uplifting and encouraging to me and hope it is to you today as well. The lyrics are just so powerful.

From doing the Bible study Me, Myself & Lies by Jennifer Rothschild I realized that many times we believe the lies of the enemy instead of listening to truth. I have had to learn how to catch myself in listening to the lies and replace those lies with Truth.

Have a day of blessings!

Song: "Always Enough" by Casting Crowns

I wanted to share "Always Enough" by Casting Crowns for this week's song. If you go to the Casting Crowns site, you can read the story behind this song by clicking on the song title. They shared this story at the concert when we saw them last year.




I was reminded by a blog friend last week that God always provides enough. I loved what she wrote in an email "Enough manna for one day at a time. Enough grace for one day at a time." He truly is "Always Enough." Whatever you need today from Him, know that He is enough.

Have a day of blessings!

"Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns

For this week's song I've chosen one of my favorites called "Glorious Day" from Casting Crown's latest album. I have also found the hymn version online.



I'm thankful for the hope we have in Him because He did rise from the grave. He came to this earth and lived a perfect life, being an example to us. Since not one of us can live perfectly, He paid the price on the cross for my sins as well as yours so we can be with Him forever one day. What really touches me is that He didn't have to do it. But He did. It doesn't make sense to my human mind the kind of love He has for us. I'm thankful for that love!

Have a day of blessings!

Prayers & Promises Week #12

My heart is in prayer tonight for our country. I don't follow politics, but I do know there is a big debate going on right now about health care. As I was preparing to write this post with this week's verse, another verse I know by heart (that is also fitting with the theme of humility) came to mind. You may be familiar with it too...2 Chronicles 7:14--"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

If you click above on the link, you can read the rest of this passage. The Lord is talking to Solomon here as the temple is finished. The Lord said basically when there is no rain and locusts have eaten everything, when you humble yourselves and pray, I'll hear you.

I believe today God wants us to humble ourselves before Him. We need to throw aside our materialism and pride and be completely humble before Him, seeking Him in prayer for our country. Where is our country headed? I don't know, but I do know God is in control and that gives me comfort. I know in the end He is the victor. I trust Him still.

I'm going to use this verse for the week this week as a reminder to pray for our country. I hope you will join me in prayer for our country and leaders.

Here are some other requests:

~ Karen's son, Cameron--physical healing.

~ families of local students killed. Our newspaper has reported a couple car wrecks this week. In one two high school seniors were killed in one vehicle and a 1st grade boy in another car was killed, his father was hospitalized. Then another day there was another wreck killing a high school senior. My heart is sad for these families, schools, friends, and communities.

~ my husband. I pray he has a less stressful week at work.

Join us for Spiritual Sundays today.
Have a day of blessings!

"To Know You" by Casting Crowns

In 2008 I had "Friday Favorite" post where I'd share a favorite song. I missed sharing songs regularly in 2009, so I think I will do that again this year on Tuesday's. I want to share songs I've heard recently that bless me and hope in sharing them they will bless you! If anyone would like to share an idea for a title for this, let me know!

This week I would like to share a new song from Casting Crowns called "To Know You." As I shared yesterday, I want to KNOW GOD this year. This is a wonderful song (as are all the songs by Casting Crowns in my opinion!). Here are the lyrics as well.





May it be our prayer in this new year "to know you is to want to know you more."

Have a day of blessings!

Merry Christmas to you!

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10, 11

Have a day of blessings!

Friday Favorites: Christmas #2

"Joy to the World" is another of my Christmas favorites. I love this version that I've added today by Casting Crowns. It's on their Peace on Earth album.

Our world is in need of some major joy! To often we base our feelings on our circumstances. The joy of the Lord isn't like that though. He gives a joy that is unlike anything else you may feel. It isn't based on what's going on in your world. If you look at the condition of the world there is not much to be found that would cause us to be joyful. However, when we have the joy of Jesus we know those "things" don't matter. Joy is more than just being happy. As Christians we should be joyous people. So many people go around looking gloomy. We should be full of joy to overflowing and that should flow to those around us.

Are you sharing your joy with others this Christmas season?
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"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.' " Luke 2:10

Friday Favorites: My Prayer...song #1

For November I'm going to have songs that are really prayers for my life. Since last month I did Casting Crowns, I'll start this group of songs with a song I'm sure you are probably familiar with called "Lifesong." Here are the lyrics if you want to read them.



My favorite line is "I want to sign Your name to the end of this day." This is a good thing to think about as you go to sleep each night and ponder whether your actions of the day have brought glory to God. Did someone else see Jesus because of how you acted? We can live our lives for Him and let the song of our daily life be to glorify Him.

Hope you have a great weekend!
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"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

Friday Favorites: Casting Crowns #5

I am glad to have had five Fridays this month for my favorites of Casting Crowns. I love so many of their songs. I have a couple more of their songs that I really like that I'll probably share in the future. For my final favorite in this category, I've chosen the song "Somewhere in the Middle." This song was written by Mark Hall, and I found the following on the group's website:

"And "Somewhere in the Middle," the lyric that poured out after Hall’s disheartening afternoon on MySpace, reveals the acclaimed songwriter’s lament. “Seeing the antithesis of what was being proclaimed at church and what was really going on with my kids didn’t make me angry or frustrated. It just made me hurt for them and how stuck out there they feel and how they don’t know what else to do but to try to fit in.”

Somewhere between contented peace and always wanting more,that line between the altar and the door…

In all honesty, he says, “It wasn’t just about them. The end result in that lyric is my own lament that I could have a greater friendship with God, but I don’t…. It’s the frustration of my own life. Why in the world do I have to force myself to spend time with God. If I had an everyday friendship with Jesus, I’d be a better encourager, I’d be a better forgiver, and I wouldn’t be as selfish as I am. …God has blessed me with amazing self-awareness, a firm grasp of the obvious, but I don’t always ‘get’ it.”

Here are the lyrics and a video of the song for you to hear:



I don't know why I like this song so much exactly. I think it describes where I feel sometimes. God wants us to be totally sold out to Him yet so many times we're stuck in the middle. Things don't always go as we hope they will, and it is sometimes hard to submit to His will. We think "oh I can do that God," but then if He calls us a little further out to Him, we stop and say "I'm not going that far." We know what we should do, but knowing and doing are two different things. We don't want to give up every thing for Him, we want to hold on to just a little bit of something for just a little bit longer.

I wonder how much we miss because we are not totally sold out to Him and we keep having hang ups getting caught in the middle between knowing and doing. How much more does God have for us that we aren't experiencing because we aren't giving Him our all?

I hope you can relate on some level to this song. Next week I'll have a new theme for November. Have a great weekend!
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"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." Revelation 3:15-17

Today's prayer for the election:
Pray for Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden and his family

Friday Favorites: Casting Crowns #4

I have enjoyed choosing my favorite songs from Casting Crowns for this month's Friday Favorites. I have two more choices left.

Today's favorite is called "Slow Fade." This was featured in the movie "Fireproof." I have liked the message of this song since I heard it when we got the CD.



It reminds me first of all that little eyes are watching and learning. The poem I posted earlier this week goes right along with this idea.

Second, it reminds me that I must always be on guard to make sure I don't let any little sin creep in that can destroy my life or family. It may seem like nothing and even innocent in the beginning. There are many real-life examples though to prove the great tragedies caused by these "little sins."

Our world has seen so many wrecked marriages because of the sexual sins of pornography and lust. Both characters in "Fireproof" had their own struggles in these areas. These things and others like them can easily destroy a marriage. It doesn't happen overnight. As the lyrics of the song say, it is a slow fade. It is gradual. You may not even realize it is happening. One morning you wake up and wonder what has happened to your life. But once you make the choice it is hard to turn back. Someone will eventually pay the price. Ask yourself before you even go down that road if that price is worth it to you and your family.

We hear this song often on the radio. Caleb loves to sing along with the little girl at the end.

Hope you have a great weekend!
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"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:7-10

Friday Favorites: Casting Crowns #3

For today's Casting Crowns song I've chosen "Stained Glass Masquerade." These lyrics hold so much truth (as all their songs do I've found) and make me ponder many things. How many people feel the way described in this song? I wonder how many people at my church are really hiding behind masks, not presenting their true selves for fear of rejection. Why do we think we have to hide and put on an act? Would people really not accept us if we presented our true selves? Why does it become accepted to put on a mask? Surely every one else doesn't have a picture perfect life. Why does it so often seem that way though? Why is it that I feel comfortable sharing with only a certain few people?


This song reminds me that sometimes we just go through the motions and put on a happy face even when our hearts are broken or we are angry or we could care less about anything happening around us. We sometimes have walls up and don't want others inside. We don't want them to see the pain we feel or the mistakes we've made. We are afraid we'll feel guilty and we already feel ashamed. If others find out they'll just add to the guilt and shame.


Recently a woman at our church started sharing with us her hope that we would be able to start a Financial Peace University class. She shared about her struggles and how she's never lived in debt her entire life and now she has maxed out credit cards due to some family illnesses that required traveling, hotel bills, etc. on top of other debt. Her sharing this really touched both me and my husband. It made us wonder how many more are like her, struggling with finances. I never knew this before she mentioned it to me yet as she talked I could see it was weighing her down.


I think finances are just one mask we put on to try to impress those around us. We act like everything is okay... that we can afford a new car...that going out to eat with the group every week is no big deal...that we can buy expensive toys for the kids for Christmas. And why do we do these things? Are we scared people will think less of us if we know we are struggling to make ends meet? There are countless other masks we hide behind. These are really bondage though, weighing down our hearts and minds. How much better we'd feel if we could find someone with which to share our pain and struggles! Strongholds would be broken.


This line of the song is very convicting:
"The performance is convincing And we know every line by heart"
We know everything we're supposed to do and all the things we're expected to say at the right times. Yet how do we act when no one is watching? Are we the same or do we crumble in pain?


What does the world see? This quote is on the Casting Crowns website:
"I don't think it bothers the world that we sin. I think it bothers the world that we act like we don't. "
How true is that! We can't even be real with our own brothers and sisters in Christ. Do we really think the world is going to want to come be part of that? Has our response been gossip and shame instead of prayer and support to those who are hurting?


When I was previewing this video, Caleb saw me watching it and said, "Look at those pretend people." Are we real or are we pretending?





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"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:1--5

Friday Favorites: Casting Crowns #2

For this week's favorite I've chosen "Who Am I?" to share with you. Here are the lyrics.

This song always blesses me when I hear it. It reminds me that even though we each are given only a short time on this earth, God cares for each of us and knows us each one by name. He knows the intimate details of each and every heart. He doesn't just put us here and forget about us. We are His precious children. When I think of the vastness of the universe, even the large number of people just in my little city, my mind can't comprehend how God can know each one of us. Yet I have faith that He does just that. We are special and we are loved. He carries us if we let Him. He holds us and renews. He calms us during the storms. He wants to carry our burdens for us.

This song reminds me of several Bible verses:

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' " James 4:13-15

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12: 6, 7






Hope you and your family have a nice weekend. Thank you for stopping by Raindrops & Rainbows today! You are special to our Creator.
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"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." Matthew 6:28--32

Friday Favorites: Casting Crowns #1

For October I'll be picking some of my favorite songs from the group Casting Crowns. We saw them in concert last October and this is one I've been wanting to have for a theme so I'll do it this month. I hope I can pick five songs because all their songs really have such powerful messages.

One song that really stood out to me at the concert was "Voice of Truth." Last night my husband was talking to me about hearing this song again and how the lyrics touched him in a new way and what he shared brought these ideas to mind.

We are surrounded by voices calling out to us. What voices do you listen to? What voices do you believe? Hollywood tells us we're not good enough if we don't wear these clothes, have this car, or fit in a certain clothing size to be accepted. If we listen to these voices long enough, they will consume us. They will seem to be truth even though they aren't. There are other voices that we may be listening to without even realizing it...voices from our childhood, past relationships, coworkers, employers, even family members. I thought of an example of this in my own life. I remember in my teenage or college years saying about something "I'm just a failure." I didn't really think I was a failure, I'd said it as a joke in that I couldn't do whatever task it was so it made me a failure. I can't even remember the task now. I even started saying this frequently when I didn't do something I was supposed to do or didn't complete some task. I remember my Mom and husband telling me "You're not a failure." I realized that this could easily become a voice I believe. If I am filling my mind with those words "I'm a failure" I will believe that. I usually catch myself now if I say that and think I won't even say those words in a joking matter because they aren't true. There are many other examples of things any of us tell ourselves... I'm not good enough. I'm not smart enough. I'm not talented. No one cares. I'm alone. I can't.... These statements can hinder us in our growth and in our relationship with God.

Talking with my husband and thinking about this song reminded me of one of the chapter's in Stormie O'Martian's book Power of a Praying Parent. It is called "speaking life." I remember she wrote about praying for our child to have positive messages in their lives, not negativity. (We don't need to sugar-coat things by any means. Wrong is still wrong and our kids need to know when they do wrong. But we do need to make sure we are encouraging and building our children up instead of tearing them down with our words....why did you do that? what were you thinking? why can't you ever do anything right?)

We have to be discerning to listen to the voice of Truth in all we do. When we start listening to any other voice, we are going to take our eyes off of Truth. Everything is okay when we focus on Truth. But as soon as we listen the other voice, the waves mount and seem to overtake us. The giants seem ready to attack.

What are the waves and giants in your life? Are you listening to them more than you are listening to Truth? God has given us his Truth in His Word. We can find there hope, peace, love, and comfort. When you find yourself beginning to doubt, ask yourself which voice you are hearing.

In this song I love the line "This is for my glory." God has a reason for the waves and giants we face. If we look at it with His help, knowing it is for his timing and glory, it will be easier to face.

I hope you will be blessed by this song today. I enjoyed watching this video. It has some encouraging verses of Truth throughout. Have a good weekend!




"Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. " Psalm 43:3

Thinking about the election... and a song

Earlier today I wrote a post concerning the election. I came to edit it tonight, and it wasn't saved in it's full form. My husband said sometimes second drafts are better. I won't be discouraged about this!

I know we are all concerned about the election, and I can't count the number of times I've read it is the most important election in history. There are so many things at stake really. I wonder how this election will change history. I wonder if voters are educating themselves on the issues. I wonder how those who are voting in their first election are responding to all the hype and attention. I've read from several bloggers that they aren't commenting on the election which is their choice and I respect that. I have a couple things on my heart, though, so while I'm not trying to start some debate, I also feel I can't just be quiet and not say anything.

Many states will be voting regarding the definition of marriage. Recently in the celebrity news blurbs on the back of our daily newspaper I've seen two "big names" (Steven Spielberg and Brad Pitt) each donating a hundred thousand dollars opposing Proposition 8 in California. Also today I read an email that Google was opposing Prop 8. Because of this, one man is choosing to use a new search engine. All of this got me thinking: What can I do to make a difference? I don't have a hundred thousand dollars to give to a cause I support. Should I ban Google as well? It would be easy to use a new search engine, no problem. But there are a lot of other functions of Google I use from this blog to a bunch of the other blogs I read. Where do you draw the line on supporting companies that openly support lifestyles that are contrary to God's truth? For example, I know of some companies that have recently been in the news for their support of gay "marriage." I can refuse to support those companies, but how do I know that a product I buy 100% doesn't support things I don't support? If you have thoughts on this, please share.

With all the differing viewpoints that bombard us each day, I'd like to share a few things that I've found to be beneficial. First, I think we need to pray. I received an email, you may have received it too, that asks Americans to stop and pray about the election for one minute at 8 p.m. each night. I clearly believe we need to cover this election with our prayers and need to be praying continuously. I think it would be so powerful for millions of Americans to make a commitment to stop what they are doing at this time each night and say a prayer. Will you think about joining me in this? I set the alarm on our cell phone as a reminder to stop and pray.

Marsha has posted an election prayer guide. I printed this out today and think it will be a useful tool.

Third, I'd like to share a song by Casting Crowns called "While You Were Sleeping." You can read the lyrics and about the song through this link (it is song #7 if you want to scroll down). I found it on God Tube for you to watch as well. The lyrics really make you think about our country and the direction it is headed.



Finally, today in our daily Bible readings I was greatly encouraged and wanted to share this with you as well. My heart has been heavy after reading a blog post about the election and this person's reason for selecting the candidate for which he'll vote. His logic makes no sense to me and what concerns me is if he has these thoughts as an educated Christian, what are others thinking and basing their choice upon? The first verses were Philippians 1:27--2:17. This encouraged me to have faith and not give up. The second one was Proverbs 24:11, 12. I liked the version from The Message too. When I read this I immediately thought of those unborn babies killed in abortions. I am no Bible scholar and I think this passage is probably referring to those who are unjustly accused of wrong when they are innocent. But it made me think of the babies; they are innocent. It touched my heart to read verse 12. God isn't going to listen to our excuses. We do know the babies are being killed. Are we doing anything about it? This can be applied to many areas. We know the things that are going on that are against truth. What are we doing about it? It was God's perfect timing that those were the passages in today's reading. I felt it was His truth speaking to my heart.

We as Christians we need to take a stand. We need to be bold and not apologize for the views we have. We need to hold to truth. We need to present that truth and not be scared we'll offend someone. We need to share the hope we have in this crazy, messed up world. We need to shine like stars. We need to keep our faith in God, trusting that everything is in His hands.

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"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." Philippians 2:14-16

Blessed Weekend!

This weekend we were able to go to a Casting Crowns concert! JMP and I both love their music. It was a blessing to attend their concert. Their songs and lyrics speak to us. I don't know if I could pick a favorite song because I like so many of them. A couple of their new songs I did not know all the lyrics yet so it was wonderful to see them on the big screen while they were singing and follow along. The lead singer shared the reasons he wrote several of the songs, which makes the songs have so much more meaning to me now than just hearing some words.

One I really like is called "Slow Fade." This song is a reminder that we have to be careful with everything we do, say, or go. We can have in our minds thoughts like "this is no big deal, one time won't hurt anything, this isn't going to hurt me, I'm strong enough, I won't get sucked into this." Whatever it is though, in reality the next time will be easier, and we'll be continuing down a path that can lead to destruction. These things don't just happen overnight...they are a 'slow fade.' A family doesn't "crumble in a day." The crumbling can happen without you even realizing it. At the end of the song you can hear a little girl voice singing "O be careful little eyes what you see." Mark Hall said he put his daughter on there as a reminder to himself that if he gets caught in a trap and falls, he'll be taking others with him in his fall.

Something I thought was funny at the concert was when the lights were out and Mark Hall said okay let your light shine, get out your cell phone. It was just funny to me to see all the cell phone lights all over the place!
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"I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies." Psalm 18:1--3